Category Archives: politics

Bihar elections 2025: AIMIM leader Owaisi to launch Seemanchal Nyay Yatra

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Bihar elections are just around the corner, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) striving to maintain its lead over the opposition. At the same time, the INDIA bloc appears to be adopting a progressive approach to contesting the assembly elections in Bihar.

As reported by news agency PTI, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi is set to kickstart the Bihar Assembly elections campaign with the “Seemanchal Nyay Yatra” from September 24 to September 27 in the Seemanchal region of Bihar. During the yatra, Owaisi will conduct roadshows and corner meetings across various assembly constituencies in Seemanchal, according to an official release by AIMIM.

The Hyderabad MP will launch the Seemanchal Nyay Yatra from Kishanganj, aiming to unite the people for development and to demand justice for the Seemanchal region. AIMIM’s official statement highlighted Owaisi’s focus on the region’s backwardness. He has also introduced a private members’ bill in the Lok Sabha, calling for the establishment of a ‘Seemanchal Region Development Council’ under Article 371 of the Constitution to address regional underdevelopment, as cited by PTI.

In the previous 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, AIMIM contested 25 assembly constituencies and won five seats, all located in the Seemanchal region. With the upcoming elections expected to be more challenging for every party, AIMIM is likely to contest more seats this time. Reports suggest that many influential political leaders and social workers are keen to contest elections on AIMIM tickets.

Meanwhile, the Congress party is also strategizing to strengthen its foothold in Bihar. On Monday, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) announced that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and other prominent leaders will attend its working committee meeting in Patna on Wednesday, September 24.

AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru stated that the meeting is scheduled in Bihar due to the state’s significance as the site of the “second war of independence.” He further confirmed that the INDIA bloc’s Chief Ministerial candidate for Bihar will be RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, with the Congress officially endorsing the decision, according to PTI.

With parties gearing up for a fiercely contested election, the political landscape in Bihar promises to be dynamic and closely watched.

(With inputs from PTI)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/bihar-elections-2025-aimim-leader-owaisi-to-launch-seemanchal-nyay-yatra-23595419

‘False Hindu God’: Republican Leader Alexander Duncan Faces Criticism For Controversial Post On Lord Hanuman Statue In Texas

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**Texas Republican Leader Sparks Controversy Over Lord Hanuman Statue**

A Texas Republican leader has ignited a controversy with his remarks about a Hindu deity. Alexander Duncan, a Republican Party Senate candidate, called Lord Hanuman a “false god” in a statement concerning a statue of the deity located in Sugar Land, Texas.

Duncan’s comments, made in an X post, read: “Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation!” These words drew strong criticism from Hindus living in the United States and prompted widespread backlash.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned Duncan’s remarks as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory.” In response, the HAF urged the Republican Party to take disciplinary action against Duncan. They questioned the party’s commitment to its own anti-discrimination guidelines, stating on X:

*”Hello, TexasGOP, will you be disciplining your senate candidate from your party who openly contravenes your own guidelines against discrimination—displaying some pretty sordid anti-Hindu hate — not to mention disrespect for the 1st Amendment’s Establishment Clause.”*

### Public Reaction on Social Media

Many netizens voiced their opposition to Duncan’s statement, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom in the United States. One user wrote, “We are a nation full of people who hold different religious beliefs. It’s called freedom of religion. If the followers of a religion are not harming or oppressing others then their religion is protected under our U.S. constitution.”

Another user commented, “What do you mean by ‘false Hindu god’? All gods are equally false. I understand you dislike having foreign symbols build up like that, but do not portray others’ gods as being more false than yours—that is preposterous.”

A third user highlighted the ancient origins and significance of Hindu texts: “Just because you’re not Hindu, doesn’t make it false. The Vedas were written almost 2000 years before Jesus walked the earth and are extraordinary texts. And there’s obvious influences on Christianity…so it would be wise to honor and research the ‘religion’ that predates and influences yours.”

### Duncan’s Response to Critics

In his defense, Duncan cited Bible verses, responding directly to his critics on X. He wrote:

*”I’m just calling it what it is, an IDOL. ‘You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.’ Exodus 20:3-4″*

*”They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.” Romans 1:25*

In a separate post, Duncan urged Americans to “preserve” Western culture.

### About the Statue of Lord Hanuman in Texas

The statue in question, known as the **Statue of Union**, was unveiled in 2024. It is a 90-foot-tall statue of Lord Hanuman, located at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas. The statue stands as a significant cultural and religious symbol for the Hindu community in the region.

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The controversy highlights ongoing tensions surrounding religious symbols in public spaces and the broader dialogue about religious tolerance and freedom in the United States.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/false-hindu-god-republican-leader-alexander-duncan-faces-criticism-for-controversial-post-on-lord-hanuman-statue-in-texas

Income Tax Refund Still Not Credited? This Shocking Reason Behind The Delay Will Surprise You

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**Income Tax Refunds Delayed Due to Detection of Fake Claims Under Old Tax Regime**

*New Delhi:* If you filed your Income Tax Return (ITR) on or before 16 September 2025 and are expecting a refund, this update is important for you. Many taxpayers have reported delays in receiving their refunds this year. After investigating, the Income Tax Department has identified the primary reason behind these delays.

### Fake Tax Deductions Discovered Under Old Tax Regime

The department uncovered that a significant number of taxpayers made incorrect claims for tax deductions, predominantly under the Old Tax Regime. These fraudulent claims included fake medical expenses and bogus donations. Leveraging advanced computer systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the department was able to detect these false claims effectively.

### Fake Claims Worth Rs 700 Crore Detected

The Income Tax Department caught fake claims amounting to approximately Rs 700 crore. Most of these fraudulent claims were made by individuals earning more than Rs 20 lakh per annum. This has consequently slowed down the refund processing this year.

A senior official revealed that many taxpayers who previously made fake claims are repeating the same fraudulent activities this year.

### Why Are Refunds Taking More Time?

Refund processing is taking longer than usual due to ongoing investigations into these false refund claims. Delays are especially pronounced in cases where the refund amount exceeds Rs 10 lakh.

Compared to last year, the total refunds issued have decreased by 24 percent. Up to 17 September, the department has released Rs 1.60 lakh crore in refunds, whereas last year it was Rs 2.10 lakh crore.

### Actions Taken by the Income Tax Department

The Income Tax Department launched a nationwide investigation in July targeting individuals who filed fake claims and incorrect tax deductions. As a result:

– 30,161 taxpayers declared foreign assets worth Rs 29,208 crore and foreign income totaling Rs 1,089 crore.
– Taxpayers withdrew fake claims amounting to Rs 963 crore.
– An additional Rs 409.50 crore in tax has been deposited by these taxpayers.

### Notices Being Sent to Taxpayers

The department has begun issuing notices to taxpayers who made incorrect claims, giving them an opportunity to rectify their tax returns. A senior official stated that efforts are underway to clear the pending refunds as quickly as possible.

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If you have filed your return and are awaiting a refund, it is advisable to keep track of any communication from the Income Tax Department and respond promptly to avoid further delays.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/income-tax-refund-still-not-credited-this-shocking-reason-behind-the-delay-will-surprise-you

Harish Rao slams Congress over Singareni workers’ bonus

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Hyderabad: Former Minister T Harish Rao Accuses Telangana Government of Cheating Singareni Coal Workers Over Dasara Bonus

Former minister T Harish Rao on Monday, September 22, lashed out at the Congress-led Telangana government, accusing it of cheating Singareni coal workers in the name of the Dasara bonus. In a statement, the senior BRS leader alleged that the government has pushed Singareni workers into disappointment by declaring a bonus based on reduced profits.

Government Reduced Distributable Share: Harish Rao

Harish Rao pointed out that instead of considering the total profit of Rs 6,394 crore, the government restricted the bonus calculation to Rs 2,360 crore, which he described as highly condemnable. “They reduced the distributable share, increased the percentages artificially, and deceived workers,” he said.

Recalling the tenure under BRS governance, Harish Rao emphasized that former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) ensured workers received a fair share from the net profits. It was under KCR’s leadership that the workers’ share was enhanced from 16 percent to 32 percent.

He criticized the current Congress government for setting aside one-third of the profits and declaring the bonus only on a part of the remaining share, calling this move unjust.

Demand to Pay 34% of Net Profits as Bonus

Harish Rao demanded that the government pay 34 percent of net profits as a bonus to the Singareni workers. He also warned that if injustice continues to be meted out to the workers, he would stand by them and fight for their rights.

https://www.siasat.com/harish-rao-slams-congress-over-singareni-workers-bonus-3274600/

Pop singer Dua Lipa reportedly drops Jewish agent who urged Kneecap’s removal from Glastonbury

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**Pop Singer Dua Lipa Reportedly Drops Jewish Agent Who Urged Kneecaps Removal from Glastonbury**

Pop star Dua Lipa has reportedly parted ways with her agent, David Levy, following disagreements related to her music career. According to a music industry source who spoke to *The Mail*, Dua Lipa ensured through her representatives that Levy was no longer involved in managing her music.

The source revealed that the decision was influenced by Dua Lipa’s openly pro-Palestine stance, which did not align with Levy’s views.

Dua Lipa attends Paris Fashion Week on July 7, 2023, in Paris, France.
(Photo Credit: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)

*By Grace Gilson/JTA*
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868400

Court hears arguments on behalf of Samir Modi, police oppose bail plea

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At the outset, Senior Advocate Tanveer Ahmed Mir requested the court to hear arguments on camera. Subsequently, the hearing was conducted in camera (closed room hearing). The court has listed the bail plea for hearing on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) extended the judicial custody of Samir Modi till October 6. He was produced before the court after the expiry of one day’s judicial custody.

On Saturday, the Delhi Police filed a reply opposing the bail plea of businessman Samir Modi. Senior Advocates Ramesh Gupta, along with Advocates Punit Mittal, Shailendra Singh, Ishaan Jain, and Surya Pratap Singh, appeared for Samir Modi. On the other hand, Senior Advocate Tanveer Ahmed Mir, accompanied by Shubham Mahajan and Ravish Thakur, appeared for the complainant.

During the proceedings on Saturday, Senior Advocate Ramesh Gupta contended that a Lookout Circular (LOC) can be issued within five days of an FIR being registered. It was submitted that the FIR in this case was registered on September 10, and the LOC was issued within four days. He stated that Samir Modi had traveled to London on a return ticket, returned from London, and was detained at the airport before being handed over to the police on September 18.

The counsel requested that the court inquire with the police about how an LOC could be opened within four days. He also submitted that the police be asked to investigate a complaint filed by the accused alleging extortion by the complainant. Additional Sessions Judge Vipin Kharb remarked that he, too, wanted to know how an LOC could be opened in four days.

On September 19, the Saket court granted two more days’ remand of Samir Modi to the Delhi Police. He was subsequently sent to judicial custody on Sunday. The court had also directed the police to inquire into the complaint filed by Samir Modi.

The Friday hearing was conducted in camera, with the court asking the media and others to leave. Senior Advocate Ramesh Gupta pointed out that bail plea hearings are typically never conducted in camera.

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*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the information presented. Mid-day management reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) any content at its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/police-opposes-bail-plea-of-samir-modi-court-lists-matter-to-hear-arguments-23595275

Monday Morning: (September 21, 2025): Articles You May Have Missed This Past Weekend

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**Fall 2025 Officially Arrives Today**

*By Native News Online Staff | September 22, 2025*

Fall 2025 officially arrives today at 2:19 Eastern Time. With kids back to school and ceremonies and powwows taking place across Indian Country, life is as busy as ever. You may have missed some important news from Indian Country this weekend. Here are three stories you might have overlooked:

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### Leonard Peltier Mourns the Loss of Longtime Ally Robert Redford

Robert Redford, the legendary actor, Oscar-winning director, and producer, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Utah on Tuesday, September 19, 2025. He was 89 years old.

Redford’s contributions to Indian Country were significant and enduring. He notably served as the executive producer of *Incident at Oglala*, a film that brought critical attention to issues affecting Native communities.

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### D.C. Briefs: Legislation Introduced by Rep. Paul Gosar

[Details about the legislation introduced by Rep. Paul Gosar would be included here.]

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### US Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians Oral History Project

The Oral History Project recently announced its 14th stop in Portland, Oregon. The National American Broadcasters Society (NABS) continues to gather crucial stories across Indian Country, preserving important narratives from presidents and Native communities alike.

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### Deb Haaland Vows to Address Fentanyl Crisis and Support Paths to Recovery

At a recent awareness walk, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland committed to tackling the fentanyl crisis head-on while supporting pathways to recovery within Native communities.

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Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Indian Country as we move through the fall season.
https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/monday-morning-september-21-2025-articles-you-may-have-missed-this-past-weekend

India`s GST reforms ignite clash between PM Modi and Congress

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Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari on Monday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latter’s speech on Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms implementation, suggesting that the PM should have issued an apology to the nation.

Accusing the Narendra Modi government at the centre of “looting” poor and middle-class citizens, Tiwari said that Congress and the opposition had been demanding only a single slab for GST, based on the idea of ‘One Nation, One Tax’.

“The question that needs to be asked is who increased the GST? Who put a burden on the country by increasing it for eight years? You (PM Modi) should have apologised to the nation yesterday. Congress and the Opposition had been demanding only one slab on the basis of ‘one nation, one tax’. However, you looted the poor and middle-class citizens,” Tiwari told ANI.

The Congress MP further attacked PM Modi for asking people to celebrate the GST rate rationalisation as a “festival”, saying that he was the one who imposed GST at midnight.

“Yesterday, the Prime Minister said that this is a festival. He said that we should celebrate because GST has been reduced. You imposed GST at 12:00 in the night in Parliament. You also talked similarly then. The people of this country have paid over Rs 50 lakh crore in GST. The MSMEs have almost shut down,” Tiwari said.

“Now, you (PM Modi) have the courage to ask people to celebrate the ‘Utsav’. Only you could have shown this courage. Your face was telling that your words lacked self-confidence and courage,” he added.

Meanwhile, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday said that GST reforms have brought a wave of happiness and celebration among people and can boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country by 0.8 per cent. The new GST reforms have come into force from today.

The minister said that the country’s path towards a Viksit Bharat goes through self-reliance.

“Apart from Navratri, the budget utsav has begun. There is a wave of happiness and celebration among people wherever you see. GST rates have been reduced, which will benefit all sections of society. But we are celebrating something else. These reforms can boost the GDP by 0.8%. Our path towards a Viksit Bharat goes through self-reliance. It has been welcomed by all sections of the society,” Puri told ANI.

He said all sections, particularly the lower middle class and economically weaker sections, will benefit because GST rates on various consumption items have been reduced.

He remarked that from the very first day of Navratri, the nation is taking a significant step forward in the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign.

The Prime Minister said that implementation of Next Generation GST reforms marks the beginning of a GST Bachat Utsav (Savings Festival) across India. He emphasised that this festival will enhance savings and make it easier for people to purchase their preferred items.

PM Modi noted that the benefits of this savings festival will reach the poor, middle class, neo middle class, youth, farmers, women, shopkeepers, traders, and entrepreneurs alike.

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*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/indias-gst-sparks-political-row-as-congress-pramod-tiwari-says-pm-modi-should-have-apologised-23595243

Congress questions on whether GST reduction benefits will be passed to consumers

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He also claimed that “procedural complexities” have not been eased in the reforms despite the fact that it was much needed. Ramesh pointed out that at the very launch of GST in 2017, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress had highlighted the problems and asserted that what was introduced was the “Gabbar Singh Tax.”

The Modi government mocked him and the Congress, ignored the concerns, and brought about no changes. Now, following US President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs, they have been forced to improve the tax structure and are celebrating it like a festival. “This government makes an event of everything as their focus is on diverting attention from real issues,” he told PTI.

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ramesh said that when Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat, he opposed the GST proposal of the then UPA for eight years from 2006 to 2014. “We have been demanding reform of the GST regime since 2017, but the reform that has been carried out eight years too late is limited. The procedural complexities have not been eased, which was much needed. There is also a big question mark on whether the benefits of tax reduction will be passed on to the consumers or not,” Ramesh said.

He asserted that this reform is not the “GST 2.0” that the Congress has been demanding, but at best can be termed “GST 1.5.” The Congress on Sunday accused Modi of taking “sole ownership” of the amendments made to the GST regime and said the current reforms were inadequate, with outstanding issues— including states’ demand for an extension of compensation for another five years—remaining unaddressed.

The opposition party slammed the reforms as “applying a band-aid after inflicting deep wounds” and said the government should apologise to the public for its GST on essential items.

In his address to the nation on Sunday, Modi said a “GST bachat utsav (savings festival)” will begin from the first day of Navratri, and, coupled with the income tax exemption, it will be a “double bonanza” for most people.

Responding to the address, Ramesh said Modi addressed the nation to “claim sole ownership of the amendments made to the GST regime by the GST Council, a constitutional body.”

The Indian National Congress has long argued that the Goods and Services Tax has been a “growth-suppressing tax,” Ramesh said on Sunday.

“It is plagued with a high number of tax brackets, punitive tax rates for items of mass consumption, large-scale evasion and misclassification, costly compliance burdens, and an inverted duty structure (lower tax on output as compared to inputs),” Ramesh stated in a post on X.

“We have been demanding a GST 2.0 since July 2017 itself. This was a key pledge made in our Nyay Patra for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections,” he added.

Ramesh said the current GST reforms were inadequate, with outstanding issues including widespread concerns of MSMEs, who are major employment generators in the economy. “Apart from major procedural changes, this involves further increasing the thresholds that apply to interstate supplies,” he explained.

He also claimed that there are sectoral issues—for instance, in textiles, tourism, exporters, handicrafts, and agricultural inputs—that must be tackled. States should be incentivised to move towards the introduction of state-level GST to cover electricity, alcohol, petroleum, and real estate as well, the Congress leader said.

“The key demand of the states made in the true spirit of cooperative federalism, namely, the extension of compensation for another five years to fully protect their revenues, remains unaddressed,” Ramesh added.

From kitchen staples to electronics, from medicines and equipment to automobiles, goods and services became cheaper from Monday as the reduced GST rates on several items came into effect from September 22—the first day of Navratri.

The tax regime now assumes a two-tier structure, with the majority of goods and services attracting tax of 5 and 18 per cent, and ultra-luxury items being levied a 40 per cent tax. Tobacco and related products will continue to be in the 28 per cent plus cess category.

Previously, GST was levied in four slabs of 5, 12, 18, and 28 per cent. Besides, a compensation cess is levied on luxury items and demerit or sin goods.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed/agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/congress-questions-on-whether-gst-reduction-benefits-will-be-passed-on-to-consumers-23595236

₹1 Crore Spent On Drone Show For PM Modi’s Birthday In Pune, Claims Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Vasant More

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**Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Raises Questions Over ₹1 Crore Spent on 3D Drone Show in Pune**

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vasant More on Monday claimed that ₹1 crore was spent on the 3D drone show organised at the SP College Ground in Pune on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday on September 17.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), More revealed, “A few days ago, there was a drone show in Pune. We decided to ask the company how much it costs. The company has given this quotation. It costs ₹1 crore to fly 1,000 drones in the sky for half an hour.”

The former Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) corporator highlighted the opportunity cost of the expenditure. He said that with this ₹1 crore, the facilities at the state-run Sassoon General Hospital in Pune could have been improved. “How much work could have been done for our Sassoon Hospital in Pune with this ₹1 crore? Punekars, you have to think,” he added.

### About the Drone Show

The drone show, named **“Jyotine Tejachi Aarti”**, lasted for 45 minutes. Approximately 1,000 drones showcased the achievements of the Modi government, alongside Pune’s social, cultural, and historical landmarks.

This was the first time in Maharashtra that a drone show of this scale was organised, modelled on similar events held in Ayodhya and Varanasi.

In addition to the spectacular drone display, popular singer and music composer Avadhoot Gupte performed live, presenting some of his famous songs and patriotic numbers.

### Community Aid Initiative

Alongside the celebrations, an aid camp for differently-abled individuals was organised. During the camp, 1,750 assistive devices were distributed free of cost to over 1,200 beneficiaries, aiming to provide support and enhance their quality of life.

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The event’s blend of entertainment, technology, and social outreach has sparked conversation, with some leaders questioning the allocation of funds and urging for greater investment in public healthcare infrastructure.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/1-crore-spent-on-drone-show-for-pm-modis-birthday-in-pune-claims-shiv-sena-ubt-leader-vasant-more